This Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC) provides guidance on the
enforcement of the 1995 Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978 (STCW), under the U.S. Coast
Guard’s Port State Control (PSC) Program. It is intended to be used by Coast Guard Port
State Control Officers (PSCOs) during foreign vessel examinations, but may also be of use to
vessel owners, operators, and flag States in ensuring compliance with the requirements under
STCW 78 and its 1995 amendments.